Men and aging: What to Look Out For
Top Health Concerns for Men Over 65
Are men less likely than women to visit the doctor? A recent study cited by the American Heart Association1 says maybe. That might be because women are encouraged to see doctors earlier than men. Or it could be related to stereotypical concepts of masculinity. But the takeaway is the same: Guys sometimes need medical attention, too, and they’re not always getting it.
Experts agree that by taking better care of themselves, men can increase their odds of living healthier, longer lives.2 You can't stop the aging process, but you can make choices that improve your ability to maintain an active life, do the things you enjoy, and spend time with loved ones.
Here are 9 medical issues that men should pay attention to. Make time for screenings, and talk to your doctor or health care professional if you have concerns—they’re there to help.
Uniquely male issues
Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men.3 Fortunately, it often grows so slowly that most men can live with it for years. Some are aggressive, though. Get screened regularly, which usually entails a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Talk with your doctor if you notice difficulty urinating, which may be a sign of an enlarged prostate.
Medicare pays for yearly DRE and PSA tests and treatment (typically surgery and/or medications) for prostate cancer. It also covers procedures to relieve symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia, a common prostate problem in men.
Erectile dysfunction (ED): About two-thirds of men over age 70 have ED symptoms.4 Causes can include common medical issues like narrowing of blood vessels and depression. While you can and should get treatment if you experience those underlying conditions, many men opt to treat ED symptoms with medications like Viagra. Medicare covers treatments for most underlying issues. Your prescription drug plan may cover some of the cost of some ED medications.
Disproportionately male issues
Parkinson’s disease: This degenerative disease affects the brain and muscles and is marked by worsening stiffness and shaking over time. It affects more men than women, and symptoms typically first appear around age 50 or 60.5 Early-stage symptoms can include tremors; blank facial expression; constipation; difficulty chewing or swallowing; depression, anxiety, or mood disorders; irregular or slow movement; loss of smell; and sleep disruptions. There’s no definitive test for Parkinson’s, so it’s important to report any symptoms to your doctor as soon as you notice them. Parkinson’s is treated with a combination of medications, physical and mental health therapies, and surgery—all of which are covered by Medicare.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease: ALS is a motor neuron disease marked by deterioration of nerve tissue in the spine and brain. Though it affects both genders, it’s about 20% more common in men than women.6 It’s also more common among military veterans than non-veterans. There’s no conclusive test for ALS, but symptoms can include muscle stiffness, cramps, twitching, weakness, slurred speech, and problems with chewing and swallowing. There’s no cure for ALS, but its progress can be slowed by new drug therapies. Medicare covers medically necessary ALS treatments, drugs, therapies, in-home services, and some adaptive devices.
Pancreatic and lung cancer: Both cancers strike men more often than women for a simple statistical reason: More men than women smoke tobacco. The best way to reduce the risk of developing pancreatic and lung cancer is to stop smoking. Nonsmokers can still get both types of cancers, but no other strategy reduces the risk as significantly as smoking cessation.7 Medicare covers medically necessary treatments, drugs, therapies, and other associated costs of these cancers. It also covers smoking cessation services, counseling, and prescription medications.
Melanoma: By age 65, men are twice as likely as women of the same age to get melanoma and three times more likely by age 80.8 Researchers believe that because men’s skin is thicker with less fat beneath, and has more collagen and elastin, it’s more likely to be damaged by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Medicare may help cover your diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Equal-opportunity conditions
Diabetes: About 38 million Americans are diabetic, and more than 90% have Type 2 diabetes.9 Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your ability to metabolize (make use of) sugar in the blood. Left untreated over time, it can lead to heart disease, vision loss, kidney disease, and other complications. It’s typically treated with lifestyle changes, medication, and in severe cases, implantable devices. Medicare covers nearly all medically necessary services ordered by your doctor to control diabetes.
Heart disease: Also known as hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis, heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women.10 It’s what happens when blood vessels, especially the ones in the heart muscle itself, get severely clogged by cholesterol, reducing blood supply and potentially causing a heart attack or stroke. To reduce your risk of heart disease, control your dietary cholesterol and blood pressure, get plenty of exercise, and eat more fruits and veggies. If you smoke, quit. Medicare covers nearly all diagnostic services, screening, treatments, prescription drugs, and surgeries ordered by your doctor.
Kidney stones: Formed from hardened chemicals in urine, kidney stones affect about 10% of people at some point in their lives.11 The stones vary in size from a grain of sand to a pebble. Symptoms may include intense lower back pain, blood in the urine, fever and chills, nausea, and vomiting. When lodged in the ureter, a stone can restrict or block the flow of urine. Obesity, dehydration, weight loss surgery and a diet with too much salt or sugar can all cause a kidney stone. You may pass a stone relatively easily and painlessly by drinking water, or it may require a doctor’s intervention, possibly involving a device that breaks up the stone with shockwaves. Kidney stones rarely cause serious permanent damage. Medicare covers medically necessary testing and treatment for kidney stones. Part D prescription drug plans cover most prescription drugs not administered in a hospital.
For more information on any of these recommendations or how they are covered by your health plan, please contact Alight Retiree Health Solutions.
The medical or nutritional information included is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Sources
1 Misguided Masculinity Keeps Many Men from Visiting the Doctor
2 Tip Sheet: Good Health in Later Life for Older Men
3 6 Top Health Threats to Men
4 6 Top Health Threats to Men
5 Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
6 Who Gets ALS?
7 Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors
8 Melanoma Strikes Men Harder
9 Diabetes Basics
10 6 Top Health Threats to Men
11 Kidney Stones
More resources
